Food

Though the FDA says there is no evidence of food or its packaging being associated with transmission of COVID-19, it's always important to thoroughly wash produce to prevent the spread of foodborne illness.

5 Sneaky Color Illusions

Red attracts. A 2012 French study reported that female online daters received nearly twice as many e-mails from potential mates when they wore ruby shirts over another shade. The reason: “Red reminds people of how their face looks when they blush in the presence of someone they’re interested in,” says Adam Alter, an assistant professor of marketing at New York University, in New York City, and the author of Drunk Tank Pink ($13, amazon.com).

Blue may reduce criminal behavior. After officials near Kyoto, Japan, installed blue streetlights in dangerous neighborhoods in 2005, the overall crime rate fell by 9 percent. It turns out, says Alter, that “the lights mimic those atop police cars and seem to imply that the police are watching.”

Strawberries have long been packaged in complementary green baskets, which make even imperfect berries appear vibrant and juicy, says Leatrice Eiseman, the executive director of the Pantone Color Institute.

Red and yellow are go-to choices for the logos of fast-food chains, like McDonald’s and Burger King. Bright, warm colors “leap” forward (whereas cool shades recede), beckoning you to the drive-through, says Eiseman. Ruddy and golden hues also stimulate the appetite because of the plethora of foods in those colors. Hello, burgers and fries!